Simone Biles has never shied away from standing up for herself and her team. Here are five moments when she clapped back at haters:
Feud with Michaela Skinner: During the Paris Olympics, Skinner criticized the current US gymnastics team for lacking talent and work ethic. Biles responded by celebrating the team’s gold medal win on Instagram with the caption, “Lack of talent, lazy Olympic Champions.” This indirect clapback highlighted the team’s success despite Skinner’s harsh words.
Addressing Racism: In 2023, Biles condemned an incident at a gymnastics award ceremony in Dublin, where a young Black gymnast was overlooked during the medal presentation. She expressed heartbreak and solidarity, sending a personal video message to the young gymnast, emphasizing there’s no place for racism in sports or life.
Defending Her Husband: When her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, mentioned on a podcast that he didn’t know who Biles was when they first met, it sparked backlash. Biles stood by Owens, explaining that his comments were misunderstood and emphasizing his worth and their strong relationship.
Hair Comments: Biles has faced criticism about her hair despite her accomplishments. After being named an honorary Texans cheerleader, she received negative comments about her hair. Biles responded by questioning the focus on her appearance instead of her achievements, gaining support from fans.
Testifying Against Larry Nassar: In 2021, Biles testified against former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, condemning the institutions that enabled his abuse. Her powerful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee highlighted systemic failures and the need for accountability.
Simone Biles continues to inspire and defend her values with grace and strength, proving that she won’t tolerate disrespect.
